Grass Care Tips

May 28, 2025

Colorado grass doesn’t thrive by accident. Dry air, blazing sun, and unpredictable weather make lawn care a challenge. But if you get the basics right—watering, mowing, and seasonal maintenance—you’ll see results. Here’s what to focus on.

1. Choose the Right Grass Type

Start with the right grass, and everything else about your landscape gets easier. The first thing to know about grass in Colorado is what kind of grass is supported by the natural environment.

For hundreds of years, the eastern part of the state and Front Range was dominated by shortgrass prairie species, especially blue grama grass and buffalograss. With the growth of Denver and other cities in the twentieth century, easterners not only brought their families to Colorado but also their landscape preferences, which happened to come from a far wetter environment.

This is one of the reasons why Kentucky bluegrass sod continues to be the most popular grass option in Colorado. While not native to the area, it was eventually found that Kentucky bluegrass holds up well to the cooler, drier environment of Colorado, although it still requires plenty of watering, especially right after installation. 

Bluegrass sod is inexpensive, soft, and easy to install, but in order to give it the best chance to thrive, you’ll need careful installation, soil amendments, and thorough watering to make sure the roots get established. It also requires more water over time than native grasses.

If you’re looking for a more water-efficient lawn that has a similar look and feel to Kentucky bluegrass, buffalograss is a great native option. It grows in thick and green, just like bluegrass sod, but is more hardy and requires less watering and maintenance. Keep in mind that buffalograss stays dormant longer than bluegrass, and a buffalograss lawn will likely have to be grown from seed instead of sod. All in all though, you’ll be saving money in the long run with native species like buffalograss.

In general, the right grass for your lawn depends on sun exposure, soil type, and how you use the space, so consider a quick consultation with a landscaping pro to save you time, money, and potentially years of frustration.

2. Watering Wisely

One of the most impactful aspects of grass care is irrigation management. The best time to water your lawn in Colorado is early in the morning, before the sun kicks in, because it reduces evaporation and gives roots time to absorb moisture. Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger root growth and leads to healthier, more drought-tolerant grass. In contrast, shallow, frequent watering wastes water and promotes weak root systems. 

It’s important to note that while drip irrigation works well for trees and garden beds, it isn’t ideal for turf. Likewise, overwatering is another common issue—it can lead to root rot, shallow growth, and fungal problems. As the seasons change, be sure to adjust your watering schedule to match. Lawns need less water in spring and fall than during the peak of summer. 

Colorado’s climate and local watering restrictions make it important to stay efficient. Smart timers or weather-based controllers can take the guesswork out of watering and help you stay compliant. 

3. Mowing Tips for Healthier Turf

When mowing, never cut more than a third of the grass blade at once. Cutting too much stresses the grass, resulting in stunted and uneven growth. Similarly, keep your mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts—dull blades tear grass and create entry points for disease. 

Another good way to keep your grass in top condition is to vary your mowing pattern each time to avoid compacting the soil in the same direction. Compacted soil restricts root growth and makes it harder for grass to get the nutrients it needs. Finally, leave clippings on the lawn to naturally return nutrients to the soil. If you’re cutting less than a third as we recommend, these clippings should not block undue amounts of sunlight. This small step reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and boosts the health of your turf.

4. Fertilizing and Aeration

Fertilize your lawn in the spring and fall for the best results, when grass is actively growing and when it needs to store nutrients and strengthen its roots for the winter, respectively. This timing helps your grass recover after winter and get a strong start in the warmer months. Choose slow-release, balanced fertilizers to nourish your lawn gradually, avoiding quick spikes that can harm roots. 

It’s also important to aerate your lawn once or twice a year to break up compacted soil and improve water flow. Pairing aeration with overseeding gives your lawn a thick, healthy appearance by adding new grass seed where needed. If this is starting to sound overwhelming, Lindgren Landscape can create a customized treatment plan for your residential or commercial property to keep your turf thriving year-round.

5. Weed and Pest Control 

Healthy, thick grass naturally prevents weeds by crowding them out. If you do see weeds pop up, use targeted treatments that won’t harm the rest of your turf. But also keep an eye out for common Colorado pests like grubs and mites, which can damage your lawn. Integrated pest management is the way to go—it offers long-term, eco-friendly solutions and helps reduce the need for chemical treatments. Again, healthy lawns require less maintenance, so stay ahead with preventative care. 

6. Seasonal Care Tips 

Here are some basic lawn care tips to remember season by season: 

• Spring: Rake away debris that’s built up over winter. Aerate your lawn to improve root growth, and fertilize to kick-start the growing season.
• Summer: Adjust your watering schedule to match the heat. Mow your grass higher to help it stay healthy during the heat. Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress, like browning or wilting.
• Fall: Overseed to fill in any bare spots, and fertilize again to set your grass up for a strong spring. This is also the time to prep for winter and protect your lawn.
• Winter: Avoid walking on frozen grass to prevent damage. Use this time to plan for improvements and prepare for the upcoming growing season.

Maintain Your Best Lawn with Lindgren Landscape

Taking care of your lawn doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require attention and the right approach. With the right grass, watering schedule, and seasonal care, you’ll have a healthy, thriving lawn year-round. Need help getting your lawn in top shape? Lindgren Landscape has the expertise to make it happen.